Apple introduced the Emergency SOS feature in the iPhone 14 series in 2022. This feature leverages satellite connectivity to allow users to send emergency messages or call emergency services if they are lost in areas with little or no cellular coverage.
Android devices also have an emergency SOS feature that works almost as well as iOS devices, although satellites are not available in areas with limited coverage. This makes the iPhone 14 and newer models more attractive to casual hikers, backpackers and adventurers, as long as they don’t use a satellite phone or similar device.
Additionally, Cupertino-based Apple announced at the recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) that users with the latest iOS 18 (currently in public beta) will also be able to use satellite connectivity for regular messaging with two-way encryption
Emergency SOS via satellite can save lives in special situations. It’s not part of the Android ecosystem yet, but it’s not being abandoned. We know that Google may be working with T-Mobile to integrate satellite connectivity into Android 15, and that the Pixel 9 will have an Exynos Modem 5400 as part of the Tensor G4 chipset that can handle satellite connectivity. The leak also revealed what the user interface will look like when trying to connect to the satellite.
Some of Samsung’s apps are now also hinting at future support for satellite connectivity, and support is expected to arrive in One UI 7 based on Android 15.
Emergency satellite messages may be blocked on Google Messages
As shared by Android Authority, the codes in Samsung’s Emergency SOS 15.5.00.14, Samsung Messages v15.5.10.39, and Phone v15.2.80 all point to support for the upcoming satellite connection.
Items found in Emergency SOS show that users can send emergency SMS via satellite. “If you call emergency services while you are out of range or not connected to a cellular network, you will be connected via satellite so you can send an emergency text message.”
The code in the phone’s app indicates that users can send and receive text messages in satellite mode. Emergency calls can also be connected if a cellular network is nearby.
Finally, the most interesting thing was the code in the Samsung Messages app. This means that Samsung users will have to default to Google Messages for satellite text messaging, and Samsung Messages will not support this feature (at least initially). Given that Google included this feature in Android 15 and Samsung is just now rolling it out, it’s no surprise that Samsung should fall behind here. The code states: “Samsung Messages does not support satellite messaging. To send and receive text via satellite, you must set Google Messages as your default messaging app.”
We expect to learn more about Android 15 at the upcoming Made By Google event. So you should know more as we see support for Samsung’s stable One UI 7 and satellite connectivity.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
